Apple Cultivars-Current Situation and Future Trends in Japan

Abstract

Apples are the second leading fruit crop in Japan, with about 132,000 acres (54,000 ha.) of area and 1 million tons (48 million boxes) annually. The majority of the production is on the northern portion or the main island of Honshu. Commercial apple production derived from cultivars first introduced in 1872 from the U.S., e.g. ‘Ralls Janet,’ ‘Jonathan,’ ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Starking Delicious.’ During the past five decades, more than 50 cultivars have been developed by public and private horticulturists. Some, such as ‘Mutsu’ and ‘Akane’ already have become popular in other areas of the world. At present, Fuji’ represents about 50% of Japanese production, followed by ‘Delicious’ strains 19%, ‘Tsugaru’ 12%, ‘Orin’ 5%, ‘Jonagold’ 4%, ‘Mutsu’ 3%, ‘Jonathan’ 3%, and ‘Senshu’ 2%.

‘Fuji’ is expected to stabilize in production, with continued attention to mutations of better color, earlier maturity or spur habit. Other cultivars of current interest are ‘Sansa,’ ‘Tsugaru,’ ‘Senshu,’ ‘Orin,’ ‘Hokuto’ and ‘Jonagold.’